Statistics show that more women graduate from tertiary institutions, both at an undergraduate and postgraduate level, than their male counterparts. And yet, the South African labour market is more favourable to men than it is to women, and men are more likely to have paid employment than women, regardless of race. Given the fact that there are a greater number of females graduating than males, this dialogue explored possible answers to the questions: Where then do the women go? And most importantly, what can we do to harness the educational dividend of women?
The dialogue was hosted by- and in partnership with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and Absa. The opening was delivered by UWC’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof Vivienne Lawack, who explained the importance of the event for the institution as well as their Gender Studies Unit. Anchored around the promulgation of Ma Adelaide Tambo’s legacy, and hosted in Women’s Month, the Foundation’s CEO, Ms Zengeziwe Msimang, provided a profile on the little known, and yet epic legacy of Ma Tambo. Foundation trustee, Justice Albie Sachs, delivered a beautiful tribute to Ma’ Tambo, which paid homage to her passion for education and the many roles that she played as a mother, caregiver, freedom fighter wife and nurse.
The panellists:
Dr Aisha Pandor, Co-founder and CEO, SweepSouth
Prof Anita Bosch, Associate Professor, University of Stellenbosch Business School
Dr Sisa Ngabaza, Lecturer: Women and Gender Studies, University of the Western Cape
Ms Bonita Bennett, Director, District Six Museum
Ms Catherine Constantinides, International Climate and Social Cohesion Activist
The discussion was facilitated by Ms Obenewa Amponsah, a life coach, facilitator and speaker.